Te mwae ni wi n aomata

human history

Te mwae ni wi n aomata. Neck ornament of human teeth. This is made of two material components: te nimwaerere (human hair and coconut sennit twined cordage) and wi n aomata (human teeth). The series of wi n aomata range in type defining the area of the human jaw it was obtained from. A small perforation has been drilled into the root end of each tooth pendant where a strand of te nimwaerere has been threaded through. The wi n aomata range in off-white colour, many showing darkened areas and some even featuring a hollow opening near the root end. This mwae (neck ornament) consists of 73 wi n aomata that have been braided onto te nimwaerere. Extensions of te nimwaerere feature at both ends of the mwae and have been left unfastened. These types of mwae (Neck ornaments) can symbolise the victory of a battle, often obtaining the teeth of their opponent. In contrast to this, the teeth could also be obtained from ones ancestors to keep them close by.

Nama tāpiringa: 1936.295 Whakahounga o Mua: 12 Jul 2019
Ingoa Kē

Neck ornament of human teeth (English)

Accession Number

1936.295

Rā Tāpiringa

1936

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

24078

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API
11 Mātātuhi
Te mwae ni wi n aomata; 1936.295; 24078; Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
Tirohia ngā pikitia ( 11)